How to make a second app on Xiaomi: all the ways 2026

Installing a second instance of the app on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that users who need multiple accounts of the same service face, such as two WhatsApps for work and personal purposes, two Telegrams with different numbers, or duplicate games with separate progresses. The manufacturer offers built-in tools for this, but they are not always obvious or limited. In this article, we will examine all the current methods, from standard MIUI functions to advanced technical solutions.

It's important to understand that not all methods are universal, such as Duplicate Apps (formerly "Parallel Spaces"), not available on all models and versions of firmware, and alternative methods like ADB require certain skills, and we will describe each option in detail, its pros and cons, and provide safety recommendations, because installing modified APKs or using informal stores always carries risks.

If you’re using Xiaomi based on MIUI 14/15 (or newer), most of the methods in this article will work. For older versions (such as MIUI 12), some features may not be available, in which case, look for generic solutions like Island or manual installation via APK.

Built-in function "Duplicate applications" (Parallel spaces)

The easiest and safest way to do this is to use the built-in MIUI option, which allows you to create a second instance of the app without third-party tools, which is available on most modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, but its menu location may vary.

To activate the duplicate application:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Duplicate annexes.
• 🔍 In the list, find the desired app (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) and turn on the switch next to it.
• 📥 Wait until the system creates a copy (more data may need to be downloaded).
• 🔄 On the main screen will appear a second icon with the mark "Duplicated".

Limitations of the method:

• ⚠️ Not all applications are supported (e.g. system utilities or some games).
• ⚠️ The feature may not be available on budget models or in regional firmware.
• ⚠️ Duplicate applications take up extra memory and can consume more battery.

2. parallel spaces (Second Space)

Parallel spaces are a more advanced version of duplication that creates a full-fledged second user profile with separate apps, settings and data. Unlike Duplicated Apps, here you get an isolated environment similar to a second smartphone within a single device.

How to turn on:

1. Go to Settings → Special Options → Parallel Spaces (on some models, the path may differ: Settings → Accounts → Parallel Spaces).
2. Click Create Space and follow the instructions.
3. Once created, switch between the main and parallel spaces via the notification panel or a special icon on the lock screen.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔒 Complete data isolation (different accounts, files, settings).
• 📱 The ability to duplicate not only messengers, but also games, banking applications, etc.
• 🔄 Quick switching between spaces.

⚠️ Note: Parallel spaces may conflict with certain functions MIUI, For example, with Game Turbo or Smart Lock. If you have lags after activation, try turning off battery optimization for parallel space in the settings.

3. Use of third-party launchers (Island, Parallel Space)

If the built-in MIUI features don’t suit you, you can use third-party applications to create isolated environments.

• 🌴 Island (based on Work Profile) – a reliable, open source solution.
• 🔄 Parallel Space – a classic launcher with support for multiple copies of applications.
• 🛡️ Shelter is a lightweight analogue of Island with a focus on privacy.

Example of Island settings:

1. Install Island from Google Play.
2. Open the application and follow the customization wizard (you will need to allow the creation of a Work Profile).
3. From the Island → Apps menu, select the apps you want to duplicate.
4. Once cloned, they will appear on a separate Island menu.

Advantages of third-party launchers:

• 🔧 More flexibility (you can duplicate any application, even system).
• 🔒 Better data isolation compared to embedded tools MIUI.
• 📱 It works on all versions of Android, including the old versions.

⚠️ Note: When using Parallel Space or similar launchers, avoid installing from unverified sources. Some "modified" versions contain malicious code).

Make sure there is enough memory on the device (minimum 2GB free)|Disable battery optimization for launcher in settings|Download APK Only from the official website or Google Play|Create a backup copy of important data-->

Manual installation of the second APK (for power users)

If the application does not support duplication through standard methods, you can install a second copy manually.

1. Download APK-Application file (for example, from the APKMirror site).
2. Rename the file by adding a suffix (e.g, telegram_2.apk).
3. Install it through any file manager or ADB.

Important nuances:

• 🔧 Not all applications support two copies simultaneously (data conflict may occur).
• 🔒 Some services (e.g. banking applications) block installations from APK.
• 📱 Installation may require permission Unknown sources (Settings) → Annexes → Special access → Installation of unknown applications).

Example of commands to install via ADB:

adb install -r --user 0 com.example.app_2.apk

⚠️ Attention: Installation of modified APK (For example, from sites like ACMarket or BlackMod, you can block your account in games or instant messengers.

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If you install the second APK, you get an "Application not installed" error, try to delete the cache and data of the original application in the settings first, and rebooting the device will also help.

5.Use of ADB for cloning applications

For advanced users, there is a method of cloning through Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which allows you to create a second user profile for an application without third-party launchers, which works on all versions of Android, but requires a connection to a PC.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB Debugging on your smartphone (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging over USB).
2. Connect the device to the PC and open the command line (cmd or Terminal).
3. Enter the command to create a second user: adb shell pm create-user --profileOf 0 CloneUser
4. Install the app in a new profile: adb install --user 10 com.example.app (where 10 is the new user ID and com.example.app is the application packet name).

List of popular packet names:

Advantages of the method:

• 🔧 Full control of the cloning process.
• 📱 It works even on devices without MIUI.
• 🔒 You can create multiple copies of one application.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can cause system failure or data loss.Before experimenting, back up through Settings → System system → Backup.

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The ADB method is the most versatile, but it requires technical skills. If you are not sure about your actions, use built-in MIUI functions or third-party launchers.

6. Alternative app stores (APKPure, Aptoide)

Some alternative stores (such as APKPure or Aptoide) offer modified versions of popular apps with support for multiple accounts, such as WhatsApp Plus or GBWhatsApp allow you to use two numbers in one client.

How to determine:

1. Download the modified APK from the official website (e.g. GBWhatsApp).
2. Allow installation from unknown sources (Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install Unknown Applications).
3. Install the file and follow the instructions (usually you need to enter a second phone number).

Risks of using modified customers:

• ⚠️ The ability to block an account (for example, WhatsApp is actively fighting unofficial versions of the service).
• ⚠️ Security threat (some modifications contain spyware).
• ⚠️ Lack of updates and support from official developers.

If you still decide to use this method, follow the rules:

• 🔍 Download only from official modification sites (avoid torrents and file sharing sites).
• 🔒 Do not enter bank card details or important passwords in unofficial clients.
• 📱 Regularly check the permissions of the application in the Android settings.

7. Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To make the choice easier, we will summarize all methods in a comparative table:

Selection recommendations:

• 🥇 For most users, the optimal option with built-in duplicate applications or Island.
• 🔧 If you need complete insulation (for example, for work), a parallel space is suitable.
• 💻 For experienced users — ADB manually APK.
• ⚠️ Modified clients should only be used as a last resort.

FAQ: Frequent questions